### hree-Day CBSE West Zone Inter-School Chess Tournament Begins a

Udaipur: For the first time in Mewar, the CBSE West Zone Inter-School Chess Tournament was inaugurated with a grand and vibrant ceremony at MDS Public School, Pratapnagar branch. The three-day chess competition, scheduled from September 14th to 16th, features 1,243 participants from 150 schools across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. 

The tournament was officially opened by symbolic chess moves made by the chief guest, MP Mannalal Rawat, BJP City President Ravindra Shrimali, BJP Rural President Chandragupta Singh Chauhan, Janardan Rai Nagar University Vice Chancellor Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot, Techno NJR Director Prof. R.S. Vyas, and Dheerendra Sachan. The event was presided over by MDS Founder Trustee Dr. Ramesh Chandra Somani.

Chief guest MP Mannalal Rawat emphasized in his address that sports have always held a special place in Indian tradition, with chess being one of the most important games. He extended his best wishes to all the participants and wished them a bright future.

School Director Shailendra Somani explained that the competition includes eight categories for boys and girls in the Under-11, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 age groups. The top two schools in each category will qualify for the National Inter-School Competition to be held in Jalandhar.

The event began with a ceremonial oath led by Director Shailendra Somani, followed by the lighting of the torch to officially start the tournament. The audience was captivated by the performances of the school's students, who presented traditional Bhavai and Kalbeliya dances and colorful, engaging performances on various songs.

This is the first CBSE chess competition held in southern Rajasthan, with MDS Public School handling all arrangements, including accommodation and meals for the players. 

The tournament will conclude on September 16th, with Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria attending as the chief guest and awarding the winning players. Chess expert Vikas Sahu is serving as the CBSE observer for the competition.